Russia Steps Up Its’ Presence in Nicaragua

The Russian Federation has recently stepped up both its military and economic aid to Nicaragua, as has been the trend since the reelection of FSLN leader Daniel Ortega in 2006. They would appear to seek to establish a greater presence in the Central American country, Russia seeking to curry its favor with the donation of buses and announcing plans to construct a vaccine manufacturing plant within it. The relationship has taken on a far more militaristic nature in recent years however. Two years ago, the Sandinista dominated parliament let the Russian Navy dock ships in the country, and has let them patrol its’ coastal waters. Reciprocating, Russia has given the nation substantial military aid, including anti-tank weaponry, T-72 main battle tanks, and armored personnel carriers. Most interestingly, Russia has constructed an odd walled off complex with odd technological apparatuses within it. While a Nicaraguan woman working at the facility claimed nothing odd to be a foot, some have alleged the facilities purpose to be spying on the United States via satellite, or for carrying out electric warfare operations against it.

It is fairly evident that Putin is attempting to slide Russian into the Soviet Union’s now vacant spot in the FSLN led Ecuador’s foreign relations, as a military and economic Super Power that would let it remain free of Western, or more specifically American interference. Ortega likely favors this relationship as he wishes to not have to partner with the United States, which funded the Contra Guerilla movement that prevented his previous government from being able to carry out the reforms it promised. Although purely conjecture, he may additionally prefer Russia to China as FSLN policy has always called for more independent Nicaragua that is in control of its natural resources, and China’s recent relationships with nations of the global south have been characterized by it buying out their resources, as has happened in Zimbabwe.